STC Path Links Low-Income Students to Careers

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STC Path Links Low-Income Students to Careers

Valley lawmakers join South Texas College leaders to launch a pilot program targeting low-income students, existing firefighters and first responders. The grant will encourage students to complete or re-certify their first responder certification. (photo STC)
Valley lawmakers join South Texas College leaders to launch a pilot program targeting low-income students, existing firefighters and first responders. The grant will encourage students to complete or re-certify their first responder certification. (photo STC)

South Texas College is offering a new pilot program to match the needs of low-income students with the ongoing demand for skilled first responders.

The program will target 80 low-income students as well as existing firefighters and first responders. The goal is for participants to complete or re-certify their first responder certification. With a grant from AT&T, the pilot program will cover all costs associated with the first responder certification. This includes tuition, assessments, job placement and background checks.

STC President Shirley Reed points out STC is also meeting community needs through the Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence. The addition of the program further expands their involvement.

“The demand for highly skilled professionals in public safety, law enforcement, fire science and homeland security is increasing rapidly,” she said. “Our partnership today with AT&T will further our goal to prepare more first responders in South Texas as well as help us target low-income students with a program to help them achieve the goal of first responder certification. We greatly appreciate AT&T funding this pilot program, which will cover all manner of costs – from tuition to job placement.”

Leslie Ward, President of AT&T-Texas, added, “AT&T is committed to our first responders. We also are committed to our local communities and to students. The AT&T grant to the South Texas College coordinates those missions and we are very proud today to support their efforts to ensure the safety of the Rio Grande Valley while providing increased opportunities for students to complete or re-certify their first responder training.”

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